Porto Santo’s underwater world is close enough to feel. This 3-hour snorkeling outing pairs a calm, shallow rockpool setting with hands-on guidance, so you’re watching wildlife glide by without needing to be a strong swimmer. I like the way the tour leans into real marine-protected nature, with an easy pace that works for kids and adults alike, and I also love that equipment and local guidance are built into the price.

My favorite part is the guide-and-dog team: Matias leads the search, and Sherlock the Portuguese Water Dog adds an extra layer of fun while helping point out what’s worth your attention. You’ll spend time in float-friendly shallow water, and the sights can be surprisingly personal, including octopus encounters that feel like they’re right there with you.

One thing to consider: if you already snorkel a lot, the experience may feel basic and a bit short on action. It’s designed for beginners and first-timers, so set your expectations around a relaxed, nature-focused swim rather than an advanced adventure.

Key things to know before you go

• Matias + Sherlock: your guide team is a big part of the charm, and Sherlock helps make wildlife-spotting feel more playful
• Max 8 travelers: small-group flow means you get more attention when fitting gear and getting oriented
• Shallow rockpool snorkeling: you’ll be in calm water where it’s easier to relax and watch marine life
• Spotting chances for octopus, eels, and starfish: the area is known for varied wildlife, and the tour is built around that
• What’s not included: you’ll want your own swimsuit and towel, and plan on skipping snacks since food isn’t part of the tour

Porto Santo’s shallow rockpool snorkeling with Matias and Sherlock

If you want a snorkeling trip that doesn’t feel stressful, this one has the right ingredients: calm water, friendly instruction, and a clear focus on wildlife. The setting is a natural rockpool connected to the sea, which matters because you’re not fighting waves or strong currents while you’re trying to enjoy the view.

The tour runs about 3 hours, and it’s built for both kids and adults. The goal is simple: get you floating, comfortable, and looking in the right places. Even if you’ve never snorkeled before, the format makes it approachable, and the guide’s job is to keep you calm and watching rather than fretting about technique.

Why the shallow water makes this tour beginner-friendly

Snorkeling feels easier when your body can stay relaxed. Here, you’re in shallow water, which gives you time to settle into the mask, breathe normally, and focus on what’s moving under the surface. That’s a big deal if you’re new, because the first minutes of snorkeling are usually about figuring out comfort.

From what you’ll experience on the ground, expect an orientation and gear fitting so you’re not guessing. The equipment quality helps too: people have specifically called out that masks and fins (plus wetsuits) are in very good condition. When gear fits well, your time watching marine life improves immediately.

The only catch is mindset. This isn’t built as a fast, training-heavy snorkel session. It’s a gentle, watch-and-learn outing, so if your idea of snorkeling means lots of advanced movement, longer distances, or deep-water swimming, you might find it more basic than you hoped.

What you actually get for $59.28: value, not just equipment

At $59.28 per person, the value is in the extras that tend to cost more when booked separately. You get snorkeling equipment, plus private transportation and insurance. On top of that, there’s a local guide included, which is important because it turns a generic swim into a targeted search for wildlife.

The small-group size (up to 8 people) also helps justify the price. With fewer people, you’re more likely to get timely help adjusting a mask or dealing with comfort issues. For many visitors, that practical support is what makes snorkeling feel easy instead of awkward.

Just plan around what’s not included. Snacks and drinks are not part of the tour, and you’ll need your own swimsuit and towel. I recommend you come dressed to minimize hassle, since you’ll likely spend time in gear that’s already provided and don’t want to waste your snack budget on long delays.

Gear quality: masks, fins, and wetsuits that are ready to go

One of the most reassuring things about this tour is that the gear is treated as a real part of the experience, not an afterthought. Multiple mentions highlight that wetsuits, masks, and fins are in very good condition. That means you can focus on viewing wildlife instead of wrestling equipment that doesn’t seal well or feels uncomfortable.

Even if you’re a first-timer, good gear helps your confidence. A snug mask makes it easier to look continuously, and comfortable fins help you move slowly enough to enjoy what’s right in front of you. Since the water is shallow and calm, you don’t need athletic power—you need steady breathing and a relaxed posture.

If you’re sensitive about hygiene, consider packing your own travel-friendly mask wipes or a small rinse kit, even though the tour provides equipment. Nothing in the tour info promises extra personal items, so if you like to be extra prepared, you’ll appreciate having your own tools.

The marine protected area: what you’ll likely see

The snorkeling happens in one of the larger marine protected areas, and the tour’s whole purpose is to help you notice what lives there. Expect a guided look at creatures that like hiding spots and rocky edges, which is why the rockpool setting is such a good match.

People have reported seeing octopus, moray eels gliding between rocks, and a variety of fish. There are also mentions of starfish and even a baby octopus making contact in a way that feels sweet and surprising. What stands out is not just that wildlife exists, but that the guides help you find it.

Here’s how to get the most out of it: slow down your movements and give your eyes time to adjust. Underwater life often looks like it’s part of the rocks until you hold your gaze steady. The calmer your pace, the more you’ll notice subtle motion—especially with eels, which can look like shadows until they slip into view.

Matias’s guide work and Sherlock the Portuguese Water Dog

This is where the tour gets its personality. Matias, your local guide, is described as funny, friendly, and clearly passionate. The way he’s talked about suggests he doesn’t just point and move on. He helps you look, and he keeps the experience enjoyable, especially for people who are snorkeling for the first time.

Then there’s Sherlock, a Portuguese Water Dog, who shows up as more than a novelty. The dog’s presence is part of what makes wildlife-spotting feel playful rather than purely instructional. If you’re traveling with kids, that extra energy can turn a short swim into a memory that sticks.

Pay attention to the moments when Matias slows the group down. That’s usually when you’ll see the best wildlife—octopus in quiet corners, eels where rocks shape the path, and fish that gather near structure. The guide team’s job is to help you land on those “right place, right time” sightings.

Transport, timing, and what the 3 hours feel like

You’ll have pickup available, and people joining the activity can define the pickup. That’s practical in Portugal because you don’t always want to waste time figuring out buses or parking. The group also travels by car as part of the private transportation included, which keeps the start of the tour smoother.

The overall time on the ground is about 3 hours. In that window, you’ll want to arrive ready to snorkel: comfortable, not rushing, and mentally prepared to spend time floating and watching. The best part of snorkeling is usually the calm moments when you stop trying to “do” it and just look.

Because you’re dealing with shallow water and easy access, you’re not likely to feel drained the way you might after a more intense active excursion. Still, moderate physical fitness is required, which I read as: you should be comfortable handling short periods in and out of the water and moving at a relaxed pace.

Weather and when the plan changes

This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, the tour can be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That matters because snorkeling is one of those activities where poor wind or rougher water can turn the plan from relaxing to uncomfortable quickly.

If your schedule is flexible, you’re in a strong position. If you’re set on a single day, have a backup plan for that area of your itinerary. The good news is the tour is built around calm water, so when weather is decent, the setting tends to be ideal for floating and viewing.

Price and logistics: does it add up?

For $59.28, you’re paying for more than a snorkel mask rental. You’re getting equipment, private transport, insurance, and a local guide, plus a small maximum group size of 8 travelers. In practice, that combination is what makes the outing feel like a guided nature experience rather than a self-directed swim.

Where people may feel mismatch is expectations. This tour is clearly designed for beginners, and the experience can be described as basic if you already know what you’re doing. If you snorkel occasionally and want a relaxed wildlife-focused session, it’s likely a good fit. If you’re expecting a long, advanced route or intense instruction, you may leave wanting more.

Also consider what you bring. Since swimsuit and towel aren’t included, your true cost is partly what you have on hand. If you already pack those items, you’ll feel the price is even more reasonable.

Who should book this snorkeling tour (and who might not)

This tour fits best if you want an easy snorkeling experience with real attention to marine life. I’d recommend it for:

• Families and kids who want a friendly first snorkeling outing
• Beginners who want comfort-first guidance
• People who prefer a calm rockpool setting over open-water conditions
• Anyone who loves animals and wants help spotting octopus, eels, and starfish

You might think twice if you’re an experienced snorkeler looking for something more intense or more advanced. The format can feel limited if you’re used to longer swims or deeper exploration, and the time on the water is designed to be manageable rather than maximal.

It’s also a nice option if you’re traveling with friends who have mixed comfort levels. With a small group and a shallow, guided environment, you can keep the day enjoyable even if not everyone is equally confident.

Should you book Porto Santo Tours’ snorkeling with Matias and Sherlock?

If you’re deciding between “snorkel as a one-off activity” and “actually learn what you’re looking at,” this one leans toward the second option. I like that the tour centers on a calm natural rockpool, pairs Matias with Sherlock the Portuguese Water Dog, and builds in support through included equipment and a small group size.

Book it if you want an approachable trip where wildlife spotting feels like the main event. Skip it if you want an advanced workout-style snorkeling adventure or you’re looking for long, deep-water exploration.

If you go, show up ready to relax. The best scenes tend to happen when you slow down your movement, listen to the guide’s cues, and let your eyes adjust underwater.

FAQ

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and you can define the pickup details for people joining the activity.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

No. The tour is designed so you do not need to be an expert swimmer.

What snorkeling gear is included?

The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment, including snorkeling gear such as masks and fins (and wetsuits are used as part of the setup).

How long is the snorkeling tour?

The duration is about 3 hours.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit and a towel, since snacks, food, drinks, and these items are not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Khasab: Half-Day Dhow Cruise, Dolphin Watching, & SnorkelingNha Trang: Half-Day Snorkeling Adventure with BBQ OnboardSpeed Boat & Snorkeling Tour Pinel & Tintamarre Islands for CRUISE SHIP GUESTSSilfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates Pick Up from Reykjavik